A Trip to Remember: Skiing Great Northern Mountain
On April 24th, I—Brandon Phillips, owner of Glacier Hikes and Bikes—along with two good friends, set out on a mission that’s been on my mind for years: skiing Great Northern Mountain.
Great Northern stands tall and proud in the Flathead Range, dominating the skyline when viewed from Whitefish and even from town. It's one of those peaks that calls to you—a rugged sentinel I've hiked several times during the summer, but never had the chance to snowboard in winter. Until now.
The Journey In
After checking in with the Hungry Horse Ranger Station, we learned that East Reservoir Road was plowed and drivable for 11 of the 15 miles. That left just enough snow for us to justify bringing in the snowmobile for the final approach—a decision that saved us a lot of time and energy.
Instead of taking the traditional summer trail, we decided to take a more direct approach—right up the gut of the mountain. We started up a drainage just north of the summit, which offered its own challenges right out of the gate: about 1,000 vertical feet of scrambling over downed timber. It was slow going, and that first 90 minutes felt like a full workout before the real climb even began.
The Climb Begins
Finally, we hit continuous snow. From there, the skinning was smooth and steady. We zig-zagged our way up through alpine terrain, soaking in the views as the elevation climbed. The final push was a different beast—a steep 40-45 degree face just below the summit. We switched from skins to crampons, grabbed our ice axes, and kicked our way up.
The wind was calm. The sun was out. And the stoke was real. After a long, grueling ascent, we reached the summit—tired, exhilarated, and standing on top of a dream.
The Ride Down
The descent made it all worth it. We scored about 1,500 feet of soft powder turns off the top. Smooth, buttery snow clinging to the steep face, surrounded by expansive views of Glacier National Park, the Flathead Valley, and the Whitefish Range. It was one of those rare, perfect backcountry lines—the kind that lives in your memory and brings a smile for years.
We made it back safe, tired, and beyond stoked. Skiing Great Northern was everything I had hoped it would be. A big day in the mountains, shared with good friends, and an experience that reminded me why we do this.
Final Thoughts
Trips like these are why I love what I do. Whether you're looking to explore Glacier National Park by e-bike, hike lesser-known gems, or get inspired for your own adventures—Glacier Hikes and Bikes is here to help you make the most of your time in Northwest Montana.
If you ever have questions about conditions, routes, gear, or just want some local beta—reach out. And if you're lucky, maybe Great Northern will call your name, too.
